LOS ANGELES – Given the still too-high transmission rates of the coronavirus and a lack of funding to implement uniform health and safety protocols, UTLA remains firm that LAUSD school campuses are not safe to reopen at this time.
LAUSD students and teachers have worked hard over the past few weeks fostering relationships, learning various platforms, and adjusting to new schedules. Unfortunately, many students are now facing the possibility of being shifted to a different class due to teachers being displaced based on class-size numbers.
In light of recent posts from UTLA that highlight the need to uplift and support Black Lives in our schools and the Black Lives Matter movement, UTLA, its elected officers and staff have been subjected to digital intimidation and violence. This is unacceptable. This is not just ‘trolling.’ This is more serious and has long-lasting impacts on the health, safety and well-being of the people being targeted.
We wish to respond to recent attacks made against UTLA as well as UTLA Vice President Julie Van Winkle.
We stand in solidarity with the El Camino Charter teacher who was targeted by hate groups for wearing a BLM shirt and choosing anti-racist curriculum. Let’s join together on Wednesday, August 26, to proudly wear our BLM shirt.
UTLA members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the tentative agreement on crisis distance learning, with 95% of the 15,726 ballots cast approving of the TA. Voting was conducted by Integrity Voting Systems over three days, from August 12 to 14.
Inaugural State of the Union speech with UTLA President Cecily Myart-Cruz. #WeRiseTogetherLA #utlastrong
UTLA and LAUSD reached a tentative agreement late Sunday night that meets UTLA’s top priorities of protecting the health and safety of staff and students; closing the digital divide through a “smart start” to the school year and technology support; strengthening crisis distance learning to maintain daily school routines; expanding socio-emotional support during this period of trauma; and ensuring educator discretion and flexibility in recognition of the unprecedented circumstances in which we are living.
UTLA and LAUSD have not yet reached an agreement on remote learning for the start of the 2020-21 school year, but significant progress has been made.
We will be back at the table tomorrow determined to get an agreement as soon as possible. We believe we are headed in the right direction to build a more robust remote learning program that works better for students, parents, and educators. When an agreement is reached, it will be put to a vote of the UTLA membership.
